Abraham Almonte did everything in his power to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, but Lonnie Chisenhall's recent shoulder injury played a part, too.

The Indians were never likely to carry six outfielders, so Almonte's remaining option left him potentially exposed to an early-season start at Triple-A Columbus. But Chisenhall, who went shoulder-first into the wall last week in Mesa, Ariz., will open the season on the 10-day disabled list, creating a spot for Almonte, a versatile outfielder.

Of course, Almonte had much to prove in camp, coming off of a season that featured a PED suspension for the first 80 games. He ultimately returned in the second half of 2016 but was ineligible for the postseason after slashing .264/.294/.401 (80 wRC+) in 67 games. He followed that up with a terrific spring, hitting .383 (1.081 OPS) in 47 at-bats. He smacked three homers, drove in 12 runners and stole three bases in Cactus League play.

However, the roster crunch in the outfield made his path to the majors a tough one. If Michael Brantley was ready by April 3, he'd join a group featuring Chisenhall, Brandon Guyer, Austin Jackson and Tyler Naquin, likely leaving Almonte out of the mix.

One wild crash into the right-field wall changed everything Friday.

“Everyone that's seen Abe this spring is happy with the way it worked,” manager Terry Francona told the media Wednesday. “He really is deserving. He's done a terrific job.”

How long the 27-year-old switch-hitter remains is a mystery. Chisenhall likely will be activated in time for their home opener April 11. That might make this a short stay for Almonte. But given some of the uncertainty in the outfield — that includes Chisenhall, Brantley and Naquin, who battled some knee soreness earlier in camp — having an additional player capable of playing all three outfield spots offers some anxiety relief.

The bigger takeaway this spring is tied to the Indians' improved depth. Despite injuries to Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis (shoulder), they are in position to absorb those losses in April. With Giovanny Urshela, Erik Gonzalez, Yandy Diaz and Michael Martinez still fighting for the final two position player spots, the quality of their options becomes immediately apparent.

T.J. Zuppe covers the Indians for The Athletic Cleveland. Previously, he served as the Indians beat writer for 92.3 The Fan WKRK-FM and still appears as an on-air personality and contributor at CBS Cleveland. Follow T.J. on Twitter @TJZuppe.